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Gene Woodbury

Ever Again / That's Not Half Bad

Del-Val: DV 1005 (45s)

Philadelphia William Lucas & Jos Stevenson project that they also gave Bernie Williams a shot at recording. Bernie's version that came out on Bell is of course something of a legendary Northern Soul classic, very rare today as msany of them have deteriorated over time from the rigors of the inconsistent Northern Soul club sound equipment. A Bernie Williams in today's market that has not been ran through the Northern Soul mill of worn stylus and wrongly weighted arms asnd cartridges.. is a rare thing indeed.. as the Bell styrene in most cases has now had it's sound quality degraded..

So step forward the not as rare but equally as good, sturdy Del-Val VINYL press by Gene Woodbury. This copy I can assure you has never even met a Northern Soul DJ in it's life so far.. and even if it had, the high quality vinyl press would not have suffered like the vulnerable styrene the Bell press was coined in..

"Ever Again" is again triggering those coordinated hand-claps that elevate the atmosphere when ever set into motion. "Ever Again" is one of the very best "Hand-clap" NS dancers in history.. 

Here is a fabulous copy - in virginal condition - that would love to encounter an enthusiastic NS DJ and the atmosphere, records of this calibre ignite..

It'll be tough to find a copy either styrene or vinyl that in 2017 has spent it's life filed away.. 

PS do not overlook the flipside - an enhance remix of Gene earlier Del-Val recording -

Condition Report

Mint - vinyl both sides - two flawless labeks

•  £1,434.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:04

 

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Intruders

Up And Down The Ladder / United

London : HL 10069 DJ (45s)

The beauty of the British Soul Demo, never ceases to send ripples of delight through my mind. Whether it be the simplicity of the EMI Red & White or the richly enticing yellow London Demo, a colour Decca wisely chose to capture the radio DJ or reviewers attention. It works, as it's captivated British 45 collectors for over 50 years now.

This listing is the perfect example of the pioneering club DJ's playing the b-sides, a MOD trait of one-upmanship, so important to drop into casual conversation "I Prefer The B-side" went hand in hand with highly polished Brogues, faded jeans, six button jacket cuffs, and the right make of shirt..

This was of course a Twisted Wheel floor-destroyer, that met every criteria amphetamine had raise the dance-bar to. The a-side is a seamless Philly mid-tempo that would pleasure the Sunday chill-sessions of today.. but back in 1966 when the audience was full of pent up youthful energy, heighten by their weekend treat. "Up And Down The Ladder" was the perfect vehicle to "just let it all go". Perfect Northern Soul Soul driven by those take for granted Intruder tight harmonies, hard drum whacks, jangling vibes, Leon Huff keyboard magic.. all added up to Wheel, Mojo., Nite Owl etc. dancefloor Heaven..

It of course sold nothing upon release, The Wheel DJ's loved that scenario as Decca was notorious for swift deletions, a rarity was born; like so many, to rise up as a British collectors trophy, even though the "silvertop" stock copy seems to be rare.. the Yellow Demo provides a handling experience like nothing else can.

Condition Report

Lead side vinyl is Ex, has a light surface mark, a couple of tiny blemishes but nothing that affect the stylus, as you can hear both sides play loud, clean and true. Flipside vinyl is a grade better at MInt - . Lead label has the Decca running time stamp of 2 50 + a file # left hand side. "United" label is flawless (see scans)

•  £91.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:02

 

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Edward Hamilton

Baby Don't You Weep / Tell Me

Mary Jane: 1005 (45s)

An usually unblemished copy of this all-time Northern Soul favourite, that are invariably plagued with varying levels of h2o damage to the labels, here's an a lovely clean one. So important as it is one of Detroit's most eye-catching label vistas.

It's those guys again Fred Bridges & Robert Knight along with La Beat label captain Lou Beatty creating a spectacular example of mid-60's Detroit Northern Soul that ignored Motown's commercial stance for the City musical direction.. full of swirling string, rhythmic pattering from the bongos, the Arabians in the background pouring silky harmony into a cauldron of emotion... with the strings reaching a crescendo that would send Northern Soul crowds into ecstatic gyration. The vision from Cleethorpes Pier Stage, Wigan Casino Balcony or being hemmed in on the dancefloor when those strings & horns lift in unison was an unforgettable moment of euphoria... 

The very reason you'd travelled 100's of miles to stay up all night, to feast on very special music, taking you to places in the mind that for hearing of "This Old Heart Of Mine" did as a schoolboy ... sending up on the never ending chase, for those adrenaline rush experiences, and there were many… surely this one was one of the most thrilling Soul escapes ever..

In all this "Bridges & Knight" brilliance, do not overlook the magnificent flipside.. also breathtakingly simplistic…vocal group excellence.

 

Condition Report

Those important checkered label are flaw free, just a mild age-tinge to the white areas. Note this is the slightly rarer NO Mike Terry credit. Vinyl a-side has some light wispy surface hairlines, NOT affecting play. THe B-side vinyl has the same appearance PLUS a light surface play-width scuff. BOTH sides play flawless, check out the soundfiles lifted from this 45... and melt!

•  £786.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:00

 

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Thee Midniters

You're Gonna Make Me Cry / Making Ends Meet

Whittier: 511 (45s)

L. A.'s Premier Chicano Soul Band with their most-wanted least seen Northern Soul dancer; a potent horn saturated blaster rippling with everything an exceptional All-niter sound demands. Gravel coated lead vocal, icy high-pitched vocal harmony response on the chorus peppered with a relentless army of brass. It's Northern Soul at it's most convincing, at it's most elusive and sadly not enough to go round to make the impact into mainstream notoriety.

Not enough DJ's at one time have ever owned knockout tune, if they had Thee Midniters rarest would have been a NS Monster long ago, with 10 different horrid bootlegs to it's credit.. as it is at the moment it has never been bootlegged, so now all it requires is an owner who DJ's regular and believes the real-deal style of Northern Soul should still dominate Rare play lists. 

A killer! but do not overlook the flip, a gorgeous vocal group mid-tempo, a Low-Rider delight, as these highly regarded guys milk those poignant lyrics. "We Can't Make Ends Meet by leaving Love Out The Middle" with beautifully delivered regret.

Two great tunes, one very rare disc.

Condition Report

Both labels have mild colour fade, see scans. Both vinyls reveal only the merest fine surface blemishes play a clean strong Ex +, visually Ex

•  £721.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:00

 

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James Bell & The Highlighters

Amazing Love / Poppin'Pop Corn

Rojam: 001 (45s)

For those serious about original "first presses"let us assure Soul collectors...this is a 100% first press of Paul Major's collaboration with talented local musician James Bell and friends. Spawning a fantastic double-sider offering a silky Northern Soul dancer on the lead side, with those adorable horns in a totally different mood on the eat-it-up FUNK side.

Top side is street level vocal-group class! The blending of those subtle horns, the delivery of a wicked sax, in contrast to James Bell's meandering approach to the lyrics is executed supremely. The Highlighters purring away in the background with a silky answering chorus, as that persistent sax still blowing away right until the very climax of the song.. is totally mesmerizing.

Flip it for FUNK! With James Bell's vocal taking a rest, we a treated to a Jazzy blending of the insistent saxophone who on this side really pushing the boundaries of the instrument. Then the burbling Hammond takes root, right into the depth of the tune; with what I would image a gang of impatient guys perched ready to show their "stuff". So, drummer come on in, sax-man step right back and blow-hard, keyboards drift away and allow the others to finish off the cellar-session on East 30th. 

Tight cellar room FUNK with a silky harmony vocal Northern Soul groove on top.. ownership beckons.

Condition Report

Vinyls have some light surface blemishes, visually Excellent playing Ex+. The two yellow labels are bright with the flipside label carries a small set of initials (see scans)

•  £154.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:00

 

 

Towanda Barnes

You Don't Mean It / ( You Better ) Find Someone To Love

A&M: 1141 DJ (45s)

Is this the greatest vocal performance of the all on a Northern Soul classic?

Certainly a wake up call, that buries mediocrity in it's wake; authentic uncompromising Northern Soul from the thunderous throat of Towanda (Gloria) Barnes, as Johnny Brantley hands Towanda the microphone to show the Ohio Players what it possible when a woman has an scalding attitude running through her veins..

Driving Bongos are the perfect backdrop to this lady's domination of the lyrics, deliberate "Off-Key" horns add their own charm into this whirlpool boyfriend berating.. no matter how many times I hear it.. AWESOME is the first word that enters my head. But in all this NS glory have we overlooked a real gem languishing on the flipside..

The horns blast away, this time it's the guitar that given the "off Key" nod as Funk invades your space, and Towards strides out with even more attitude, overriding the power of the brass and again stealing the show with her Marva Whitney comparable excellence!

TWO GREAT SIDES with the flipside perched and ready to fly on whichever scene you play it on... it's a dance-floor hand-grenade..!!

Condition Report

two spotless white Promo labels, vinyl is so close to Manship Mint, all complete with A&M sleeve

•  £251.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:00

 

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Blanch Carter

Halos Are For Angels / Halos Are For Angels

GSF: 6881 DJ (45s)

A listing for those many Northern Soul gatherers of RARE formats of the true Niter classics! 

Before you today is the unmistakable and ultra rare Mono/Stereo vinyl press PROMO with anti-slip grips around the perimeter of the label. Pressed in high quality vinyl with a rich sound none of those styrene bootlegs can ever give you, also eradicating any doubts of authenticity. 

Leaving the attributes of rarity and quality of pressing variations aside. This was a turntable choice that catapults you back to visions of those Northern Soul halcyon nights of yore. An all-nighter classic, especially popular with the NS girls of the mid-70's. Dripping with well-earned perspiration, the ladies multi-tasked their dancing incorporating show-stopping spins with well-timed hand-claps. That was a Northern Soul vision that still evokes euphoric recall for me today. 

If you appreciate the easily identifiable Northern Soul Classics as White PROMO copies, this will be a standout addition to your run, as it's only comes to market on very rare occasions.

Condition Report

Tiny initials on both labels. Both vinyl are a smidgen off Mint minus a couple of very mild fine hairlines - both sides play perfect.

•  £186.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:00

 

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Azie Mortimer

Lips / Wrapped Up In A Dream

London: HLX 9237 (45s)

Not only one of the very elusive UK London 45s, but also a slice of 60's New York, that "Big City Brill Building Sound" reputation was built on. The guttural depth of Azie is enhanced by a full orchestra of strings and chirping girl-group choruis..

This is not easy acquisition on the Big Top USA release but 10 times rarer as the 1960 UK release that completely got overlooked at the time, only to emerge years later as a Belgium "Popcorn" choice and ultimately like the majority of our European friends discoveries, they end up on the English turntables for our new appetite for the sulking "popcorn" mover..

Check out the soundfile, in fact check out everything Azie Mortimer has recorded, this gal had a voice to reckon with, most everything has impressive depth and delivery, on this Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller creation she really excels.

Very seldom surfaces for sale and this one is a beauty, virtually unblemished.

Condition Report

4 prong centre is fully intact, labels are free of any flaws. Vinyl is a neat clean Mint minus on both sides! Pleasing to even the most fastidious British vinyl collector.

•  £115.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:00

 

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Marketts

Bella Delena / Out Of Limits

Warner Bros: WB 120 DJ (45s)

I remember well how Nev Wherry could take an "Off The Wall" track he liked, fit it seamlessly into a Northern Soul set and turn his choice into a a dancefloor favourite. This is perhaps his most unlikely Cleethorpes "Hit" as it went right against the grain of the "New" sound occupying turntable time in 1976.. The paradoxical tones Brass Construction's - Ha Cha Cha - could not have been further away from the dulcet rhythms of a Califormian 5 man Surf band, a flipside of their popular "Out Of Limits" a great instrumental in it's own right.. (listen) .. surely could be part of a vibrant Cleethorpes get together..

Howe wrong we were, the initial sn*****s evaporated when Nev filled the floor with "something completely Different" rather like a hardcore house crowd could enjoy a chill-out tent. THe Cleethorpes crowd lapped up Nev's fearkless choiice, it stick and even crept into DJ sets across the country.. "Balla Delana" stuck and can still be a surprise drop today, appreciated by those who followed Nev up during the late 70s..

Well here is a 1963 British DEMO with it's head turning label, original birth-sleeve and spanking clean, close to Mint minus vinyl.

To a British 45 Soul fan, this is an intriguing piece, to me it is also a tribute to one of the scenes most flamboyant of characters.

Condition Report

Fine clean labels, adorned with a sparkling silver "A" on the "Out Of Limits" side, both labels are clean, snug in it's birth-sleeve. Vinyl is a smidgen off Mint minus, just a few nothing mild blemishes revealed under strong light!

•  £135.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:00

 

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Bobby Bland

How Does A Cheating Woman Feel / Don't Cry No More

Duke: 336 (45s)

Resolute Rare Soul Collectors, please go check that run of Duke 45's, perhaps one of the most important areas of your collection. We are thinking you may find #336 is missing. Due to scarely documented riff between Bobby Bland and Duke boss Don Robey (Deadric Malone) over the release. Sir Shambling (the world expert for me on Deep Soul), told a story of Don not liking this release one bit and only an alleged few left the building. Don even went to the lengths of putting an advert in Music Magazines, that someone had bootlegged his product and all distributors were asked return the 45 and all shops must not sell it..even though only a handful and been distributed.

Nobody seems to know exactly why Don Robey was so determined this release was taken out of circulation and went to grea lengths to ensure it was. Some opinions think it may have been a short-term private dispute between Bobby "Blue" and himself. Some have even suggested the title "How Does A Cheating Woman Feel" too close to events at the time (for someone) but we don't know who. No matter what the reason, this 45 is certainly no bootleg and today stands proud an Bobby Bland's rarest 45 in his extensive DUKE catalog. And two truly superb examples of Bobby's early 60's recordings..

This 1961 withdrawn 45 is utterly flawless - a record for those of you serious about label runs, iconic artists, and the history surrounding them

Condition Report

Label and vinyls are store fresh condition, unplayed until we lifted the double sound file for your pleasure.

•  £78.00

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•  23/08/2017 18:00

 

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Edited August 23, 20177 yr by bo diddley

Towanda Barnes one of my all time Fave Slabs of pure Northern Soul had my copy for ages.Always banged onto people about how good the flip was.Maybe folk have cottened on and the value of the disc is onthe up.

Cheers for list as i cannot get John's site up now he has changed it.Anyone else having problems?

And the Edward Hamilton wasn't even the one with the Mike Terry credits!!

                    Alan C.

Wouldn't have minded that Gene Woodbury copy in viriginal condition.  

Gene Woodbury is getting almost twice what it has been selling for.  Edward Hamilton is just plain barmy for something that isn't even rare.  Some desperate people out there it would seem.

Edited August 24, 20177 yr by chalky

I thought the Gene W was a £400-£500 record and Ed Hamilton perhaps £350-£450. Still, that's why I'm not adding much other than random "oddments" to the collection these days as I seem to be way out of touch! 

 

Bobby bland / how does a cheating woman feel / 336

rare?  I dont recollect that this one is at all...

Very strange

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Geoff B said:

Cheers for list as i cannot get John's site up now he has changed it.Anyone else having problems?

Think I much preferred the format of the old web site. Some of these records auctioned are really set sale items such as Blanch Carter and Towanda Barnes. If John changed his web pages to improve the auctions, I think he's made a miscalculation...

Old far better. mind you so are most things 👍🎶🎶

39 minutes ago, FRANKIE CROCKER said:

Think I much preferred the format of the old web site. Some of these records auctioned are really set sale items such as Blanch Carter and Towanda Barnes. If John changed his web pages to improve the auctions, I think he's made a miscalculation...

 

On 23/08/2017 at 22:07, Mal C said:

Bobby bland / how does a cheating woman feel / 336

rare?  I dont recollect that this one is at all...

Very strange

 

 

 

It was never thought to exist until this year, it has been discuussed a few times on here.  A few copies have 'surfaced' only this year- an LA dealer has sold a couple for $200 plus.  I have seen maybe half a dozen for sale this year and never ever before,  so that is kind of rare for a record over 50 years old.   

Re Gene Woodbury - John now has a Bernie Williams for sale! If Gene got to £1,434 where the hell will Bernie end up!

28 minutes ago, bo diddley said:

Re Gene Woodbury - John now has a Bernie Williams for sale! If Gene got to £1,434 where the hell will Bernie end up!

knowing this fickle scene probably go for less

Sitting at £1967.00 at the moment so no fear of that.

12 hours ago, WoodButcher said:

Sitting at £1967.00 at the moment so no fear of that.

I'd not even looked 

21 hours ago, Mike Lofthouse said:

It was never thought to exist until this year, it has been discuussed a few times on here.  A few copies have 'surfaced' only this year- an LA dealer has sold a couple for $200 plus.  I have seen maybe half a dozen for sale this year and never ever before,  so that is kind of rare for a record over 50 years old.   

I have my promo copy of Duke 352 on the "new design" orange (pink promo) label of 'how does a cheating woman feels" flipped with 'yield not to temptation' like many of us. But Duke 336 flipped with 'don't cry no more' on the older yellow and purple label is indeed rare ! But not that rare as to be offered on a Northern Soul auction IMHO which it is not. Bluesy, Souly and Jazzy maybe. The story/controversy behind it on the other hand makes it rather smoky-hot...

Edited August 27, 20177 yr by tlscapital

its a bit too early to sound northern IMO 1961 or there about still sounds quite primitive.

 

there is a storming later uptempo version of don't cry no more by lloyd hendricks now that is much more like it for a northern floor.